Vikings Unearthed | Space Archaeology
Vikings Unearthed | Space Archaeology
Learn how a new generation of archaeologists is using satellites to uncover ancient settlements, in these clips from NOVA: Vikings Unearthed. Here, archaeologist Sarah Parcak tests whether this remote sensing technology can detect ruins at two sites rich in Viking history. From 400 miles above Earth, the satellite’s very high-resolution cameras record near-infrared waves reflecting off the surface of Earth. The images reveal hallmarks of ancient settlements, including areas where buried objects have varied the soil and plants above them. These patterns point Parcak to a buried turf wall in Iceland. This resource is part of the NOVA Collection.